Elena’s POV The moment the creature took me from Igor’s hands and onto its shoulders, it was like my world stopped spinning—darkness, rushing air, the smell of blood and earth. I tried to scream for Igor, but it seemed like my voice was sealed off. Nothing—not even a sound—came out. Whatever this creature was, it seemed capable of understanding its environment. It took shorter routes, avoiding the patrol guides, and whenever I tried to struggle free, it made inhuman sounds—almost like a warning not to try running. I kept my eyes on its back, and that’s when I noticed the same runes I had seen on Abel’s body. When he told me he was going to get Igor’s body, the screams came. Then the monster. I had thought the monster killed Abel, but now I realized the truth. This creature was Abel. I

